I take my hat off to all you full time workers who manage to fit in daily blog posts - I literally don't know how you do it! I had my work Christmas party on Thursday then had my family in London this weekend which was so lovely but meant the blog took a back seat as I didn't spend any time at home. My goal of a blog post every day of December didn't go to plan however I have done a hell of a lot more blog posts than I would normally have managed. I think a goal of 3/4 posts a week is more realistic for me as I get home late most evenings, I don't want to turn this into a task or chore as it's just a fun hobby for me.

I did however manage to snap a few outfit posts...

I got this dress from Warehouse last week - it's not on the website yet but as soon as I spot it i'll add the link. I love the print I think it's really different to everything else on the high street at the moment. This splash of colour is also much needed in my monochromatic wardrobe. I've dug out my favourite Topshop boots from last year - the mirrored heel adds a little something extra and dresses up the outfit.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend - always feels like a lifetime ago once Monday is done and dusted doesn't it?!

I thought I'd put the blurb before the pictures today as a warning... this is quite a picture heavy post!

Quite a simple outfit I wore this while out a couple of Sunday's ago. As I said in yesterday's post I am really enjoying knitted midi skirts this season and today I have a dark grey one from Warehouse. I find this really easy to wear. Here I have it with a baggy black top from COS that is both long and baggy enough to hide any areas the skirt clings to. Also, the star of the show is my super warm, fluffy teddy coat also from Warehouse. I am literally obsessed with this jacket and as the weather has really turned over the last few days this has been my saviour, especially when power walking to the tube at 7am when it's frosty outside. It's a Warehouse themed outfit today as the grey sleeveless blazer is also from Warehouse - I think I've worn this in a previous post, as it's my staple piece I will literally wear with anything! Last but not least is my boots which are from Whistles, I pretty much wear them everyday; they're really comfortable and go with every outfit.

I've never been much of an eccentric dresser, I'm happiest in a pair of ripped skinny jeans with an oversized blouse or a baggy jumper. Therefore it comes as no surprise my favourite type of shopping is for basics. Basics for me is anything black, grey or striped - easy to wear without having to think too hard but also looks effortless.

I did a quick Zara order last week and I'm really happy with everything I picked. I went for a grey knitted jumper which is really soft and flattering and has an interesting side split adding a bit of detail. I also got an asymmetric stripe jumper which again is a lovely fabric and drapes perfectly. Finally I picked this thick knitted skirt in navy with the white stripes around the hem. I love knitted midi skirts this season, I find them so easy to wear with a thick jumper or baggy t-shirt.

Just a quick post from me today, while out for brunch on Saturday morning I managed to rope my brother into taking a few snaps. I think i'll do another outfit post with this top though as you can't see it too well and it was too cold to take my jacket off...

The jeans and duster jacket are from Topshop, boots the usual from ASOS and the jumper is from Warehouse.

I'd like to be one of those Christmas shoppers that starts buying presents in November and is done by the time the unorganised people like myself even start thinking about Christmas. But truth be told, I don't start worrying until around December 24th. Then, suddenly I'm in a mad state of panic, joining the queues, barging my way down Oxford Street, fighting over the last bottle of Jo Malone frantically ticking things off my list.

So today I'm bringing you a Christmas gift guide, which I'm hoping will help inspire me and give me the much needed kick up the backside I need to get my Christmas shopping started. I want to be a smug Christmas shopper with my feet up drinking a class of red wine scoffing a Terry's chocolate orange on December 24th not a freezing cold angry shopper. This gift guide includes some ideas for presents if you're buying for a mum, friend, sister or even a secret santa and someone you don't know that well. These are the sort of gifts I'd love to open on Christmas Day.

1. The present you simply cannot go wrong with... the Monogram Mug! Everyone drinks tea or coffee or enjoys a warm drink every now and then and Anthropologie have the most beautiful offering of mugs. I chose this Monogram mug as it adds something a little more personal with the initial. Also at £8 it's the perfect secret santa gift or stocking filler.

2. If you're looking for something a little more luxurious or want to spend a bit more money, maybe as a main present for your mum, this Cashmere Jumper from Warehouse is the one. A timeless piece any woman would love to add to their wardrobe.

3. I've been a fan of the brand Tea Pigs for a while now, currently drinking their lemon flavour. They have a ridiculous selection of teas from this Chocolate Flake flavour, chilli infused to your every day brew. There is also a selection box which may be a really nice idea for a true tea lover.

4. I spoke about this hand cream in my recent favourites post but couldn't miss it out of here. My personal favourite the Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. It has the most amazing scent (mandarin orange) and I think would be a really easy luxurious present to choose.

5. Again for the girls who like a beautiful scent this Diptyque Figuier candle is what is currently burning in my bedroom - a refreshing fig scent but nothing too overpowering or feminine.

6. Now onto something everyone will need this time of year, a bobble hat. I went for this Black Cable Knit Pom Pom Beanie option from Topshop, you can't go wrong with black and the fur pom pom adds a bit of fun while staying on trend with the fur.

7. Perfume, sometimes a tricky present to buy as it's a very personal choice. However, if you are up for the challenge I think Jo Malone is the perfect choice. The ladies who work in store are really helpful so even if you know what perfume the person you are buying for currently wears they could help you find something similar. They also offer a gift wrapping service which is perfect for me as they certainly do a better job than I ever could and it's always nice handing over a present that looks immaculate.

8. I couldn't do a gift guide without picking something from the Lush website. As a recent lush convert I have found myself trawling the website most days eyeing up my next purchase. I love this Holly Golightly Bath Bomb as It's very festive but also really well priced at £4.75.

9. If you don't fancy spending £100 on a cashmere jumper as I know this is a huge amount for a Christmas gift then maybe these Cashmere Socks would be better suited.. I know I myself love receiving socks/slippers at Christmas. It's the time of year you spend your days lounging around eating mince pies drinking copious amounts of tea so it's always nice to do so in a beautifully soft pair of socks.

I am a true animal print lover, it's almost like a staple in my wardrobe. I find a splash of leopard brightens up any outfit and as I wear a lot of black It's easy to mix and match. Today's leopard jumper is from Warehouse - it's a really lovely texture (compact yarn) and such a flattering shape. The grey sleeveless jacket is also from Warehouse and it's a beautiful wool fabric. I have been wearing this pretty much every day, I find it easy to throw over any top as it's a neutral grey colour. It's also cool with baggy jeans and trainers as it dresses it up slightly.

The skirt is my usual from H&M, the bag is from Whistles and my boots are from ASOS.

Having recently moved into a new place in London, which is somewhat lacking in space, the aim was to find a tree that wouldn't swamp our living room. We actually picked one up from the little fruit and veg stall right outside my local tube (this made me feel like a right local). This is the first year I've had a proper tree outside of my family home so it was a case of starting from scratch with the decorations. This meant I was slightly naughty and headed straight to Anthropologie, Oliver Bonas, John Lewis and Paperchase. Although I definitely spent a small fortune Christmas decorations are something you build up, add to and keep for years.

With regards to a 'theme' I hear people talking of 'all silver' or 'red and gold', but there's definitely no particular look I've gone for here - just a bit colourful and fun. It kind of looks like a childs tree with little toys all over it but I'm okay with that!

I'll pop some of the links to anything I can find online below.. I'm definitely feeling suitably festive after this evening, mince pies and christmas songs at the ready.